Articles related to provincial and federal legislation that affects local governments.
Yesterday, the Province introduced new emergency management legislation: the Emergency and Disaster Management Act. Once brought into force, it will replace the current Emergency Program Act. UBCM has previously summarized some of the key changes that will impact local governments.
The BC government has announced amendments to its decriminalization policy. As of Monday, September 18, the possession of illicit drugs within 15 metres of any play structure in a playground, a spray or wading pool, or a skate park will be prohibited. The Province also advised they are planning to introduce provincial legislation to further regulate public drug use in Fall 2023.
Local governments who wish to provide feedback to the Province on potential provincial legislation to regulate the use of drugs in public spaces must submit comments by July 31. Download then email the written feedback form to Ministry staff. If possible, please send a copy of your comments in the form to UBCM staff.
The provincial government is expected to table new emergency management legislation this fall. In anticipation of the pending legislation, the BC Association of Emergency Managers and BC Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness are hosting a series of webinars open to local government representatives.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) revised its timeline for the introduction of new emergency management legislation from spring 2023 to fall 2023. In the meantime, the Ministry will use the remaining time to discuss the legislation with communities.
On the day before UBCM’s Housing Summit, the Province announced its new strategy for housing, Homes for People, an ambitious plan with wide-ranging elements that will have significant implications for local governments across B.C. UBCM will continue to push the Province for meaningful engagement with local governments, not just in legislative development, but also in subsequent stages of implementation.
The Government of BC introduced legislative amendments to the Community Charter, Vancouver Charter and Local Government Act that would require local governments to consider adopting or updating a Code of Conduct within 6 months after their first regular council or regional district board meeting. This proposed new requirement responds to a resolution (SR3) that was endorsed by the UBCM membership at the 2021 convention.
The Federal Government has introduced legislation to bring laws of Canada into alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Bill C-15, introduced on December 3, affirms UNDRIP as an international human rights instrument “with application in Canadian Law”, and specifies that the Government of Canada must, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the Declaration.